Abstract
BACKGROUND: Strict blood pressure control has been investigated as a strategy to reduce severe cardiovascular events in patients with hypertension. However, there are still doubts about the impact of intensive antihypertensive treatment goals (< 130/80 mmHg) compared to conventional goals (≥ 130/80 mmHg) in preventing myocardial infarction, stroke, mortality, and possible treatment-related adverse effects. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of intensive antihypertensive treatment goals in reducing critical cardiovascular events compared to usual goals. METHODS: This systematic review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared intensive blood pressure control goals with conventional goals in adults aged 18 years or older. Studies with at least one of the following outcomes were included: mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, progression to stage 4 or 5 chronic kidney disease, need for dialysis, or kidney transplantation. Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched up to May 2024. Risk of bias assessment was performed by two independent reviewers using the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool. Synthesis of results was conducted through meta-analysis for the composite outcome of myocardial infarction, stroke, and all-cause mortality. The certainty of scientific evidence and strength of recommendation followed the methods proposed by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tool. RESULTS: Nine RCTs with more than 34,000 participants were included. Intensive treatment was associated with a 13% reduction in cardiovascular events. In the studies with low risk of bias, the reduction was 17%, with high certainty of evidence. Separately, a significant reduction was observed in the outcomes of myocardial infarction and stroke, but not in all-cause mortality. Limited data were found on the progression of kidney disease and the need for dialysis or kidney transplantation. CONCLUSION: High-quality evidence suggests that more intensive antihypertensive treatment goals significantly reduce cardiovascular events. However, the choice of treatment goals should be individualized, considering factors such as age, frailty, individual cardiovascular risk, and the possibility of adverse events. Adherence to treatment is essential to therapeutic success.